The 50th anniversary of the Algiers Regional Library was celebrated in swinging 60s style, with hit music of the times played by the Marine Corps band of New Orleans. It was a packed house as library regulars, elected officials, and community members of all ages gathered to celebrate the continued success of the library.

Branch manager Mary Ann Marx acted as mistress of ceremonies, and spoke of the importance of not only this library branch but of the library system as a whole in the New Orleans Metro area.

"For five decades the Algiers Regional Library has acted as a hub for the community and gathering place for neighbors far and wide," Marx said.

Marx has been collecting items of importance for a time capsule in the hopes that 50 years from now people will be able to see what life was like here in Louisiana in 2016.

City Librarian/Executive Director of the New Orleans Public Library system Charles Brown spoke of the history of the library and what was happening in the world as well as New Orleans at the time that the library was built. Brown started off by quizzing the audience on fun facts of the era. Trivia topics ranged from best-sellers blockbuster hits, and even information about the genesis of the New Orleans Saints.

City Council member Nadine Ramsey spoke of the importance the library played in her own life, and how a library can help shape a person's life.

"A library can do many things for you, it can be a place of solitude, a lace of education, and a place where you can be transported," Ramsey said.

Ramsey congratulated the library branch on its years of success and spoke of her wish for continued growth.

Former Algiers branch manager Joe Clark spoke about the powerful impact this library branch has on the community and how much neighbors and visitors truly enjoy their branch.

"This beautiful community loves the library, one thing most impressive of my time here was the sense of community, the community truly appreciates and values this library," Clark said.

Judge E "Teena" Anderson-Trahan concluded the program by giving a toast to the past 50 years and wishing the Algiers branch continued success.

Guests were invited to enjoy food and drinks as well as look through assorted memorabilia celebrating the last 50 years...an event Marx hopes will happen in in 2066 with her own time capsule.

The Algiers Regional Library is located at 3014 Holiday Drive. For more information about the library and its programs go to their website www.nolalibrary.org.

Kari Eve Valence is a native of the West Bank and enjoys attending events throughout the community. If you have an event you'd like to submit for coverage please email her at karieve_hingle@yahoo.com.